2021-01-21 Gerald MeleC
GERALD
MARTIN
ROBERT
BRAD S.
JACOB
A. MIELE, PE, SE
R. (NESS, PE, SE
A. SANDERS, ARCHITECT
EDWARDS, PE, SE
G. KENNINGTON, PE
1/21/2021
GERALD MELE & ASSOCIATES, INC.
7337 N. FIRST ST., SUITE 110 FRESNO, CA. 93720 (559)435-1411 FAX (559)435-1169
To: City of Meridian Planning Commission Hearing
From: Gerald A. Mele, PE, SE
Residence: 4549 W. Cedar Grove Dr
Meridian, Id
Re: Item 7 Public Hearing 1/21/2021 H-2020-0108
Commissioners,
As a homeowner and a register Civil and Structural engineer who does business
through North America, I would like to comment on the proposed H-2020-0108
modifications to the existing development agreement with Bridgetower West. As many
homeowners always have the not in my back yard attitude, I do not like the proposed
changes to the existing development agreement as proposed in H-2020-0180. I see
increase local traffic, an overburden on the existing homeowner club facilities and a lack
of good local commercial facilities. As an engineer I understand the need for residential
development. As a taxpayer I caution the commission that a city biased towards
residential development without a significant commercial and industrial tax base could
put the City short of operating funds once the housing development boom is over.
I do believe city staff has done a good job of identifying the major issues with the
proposed development and as a minimum ALL of the Staff's recommendations
should be incorporated into the development agreement if it is approved. I do
believe even more should be included in the agreement. My concerns are as follows.
1. The lack of open space. It seems that there is a little bit of smoke and mirrors in
this agreement with the reduction in the existing parks and open space.
2. The reduction of the large commercial space. The loss of the potential health
care facilities and or assisted living and backfilling with more homes is going to
result in the loss of good jobs locally and more traffic during the commute hours
leaving the area.
3. The proposed development is to be managed by the existing homeowner's
association. In locating here within the Bridge tower West part of the draw the
developer sold to buyers was the large open space and common pool area.
Increasing the density without increasing the size of the recreation facilities is
essentially allowing the developer to change amenities offered when the
proposed development was marketed. As a minimum, the proposed
development should include an additional clubhouse, pool and park area.
In closing, it is understood that there is a need for housing, but it cannot be at the
expense of un -balance development, lack of commercial tax base and added traffic
leaving the area. If the commission is to approve this development agreement as a
minimum all of the staff recommendations should be a part of that agreement and the
commission should add more common facilities and open space.
Respectfully submitted,
Gerald A Mele, PE, SE
President
Gerald Mele & Associates, Inc.
Consulting Engineers and Architects
Resident at: 4549 W. Cedar Grove
!t OAF CONSULTING ENGINEERS & ARCHITECTS
CONSULTING ENGINEERS & ARCHITECTS
CONSULTING ENGINEERS & ARCHITECTS